A Multi-Purpose Dynamic Simulation and run-time Control platform includes a virtual process environment coupled to a physical process environment, where components/nodes of the virtual and physical process environments cooperate to dynamically perform run-time process control of an industrial process plant and/or simulations thereof. Virtual components may include virtual run-time nodes and/or simulated nodes. The MPDSC includes an I/O Switch which delivers I/O data between virtual and/or physical nodes, e.g., by using publish/subscribe mechanisms, thereby virtualizing physical I/O process data delivery. Nodes serviced by the I/O Switch may include respective component behavior modules that are unaware as to whether or not they are being utilized on a virtual or physical node. Simulations may be performed in real-time and even in conjunction with run-time operations of the plant, and/or simulations may be manipulated as desired (speed, values, administration, etc.). The platform simultaneously supports simulation and run-time operations and interactions/intersections therebetween.

A programmable logic controller, a method for operating a programmable logic controller, and a computer program product provide for parallel operation of a plurality of PLC applications on a programmable logic controller. The programmable logic controller has a data processing unit, at least one input, at least one output, and at least one storage region for application programs, wherein the programmable logic controller is configured to provide at least one virtual programmable logic controller during operation by means of an operating system, wherein an application program is able to be run on the virtual programmable logic controller.